Multi-component product dispenser

ABSTRACT

A dispenser for spraying a multi-component product includes a product container housing the product components. The components are mutually isolated and are put in communication with product passages through a valve of the container. The stem of the valve is connected to a coupler-aspirator. An aerosol propellant cartridge is also connected to the coupler-aspirator. When the propellant cartridge is depressed, both the valve thereof and the container valve are opened. The product components are then combined and aspirated by the propellant through the coupleraspirator.

[ June 27, 1972 United States Patent Marand 3,540,623 11/1970Witike............. 3,442,425 5/1969 Chambers.

3,549,052 12/1970 Forim........

3,255,972 6/1966 Holtgren.... ....239/328X Conn.

Ciba-Geigy Corporation June 22, 1970 Primary Examiner-Samuel F. ColemanAssistant Examiner-Thomas E. Kocovsky Anorney--Wenderoth, Lind & Ponack[2]] App]. No.: 48,336

[57] ABSTRACT A dispenser for spraying a multi-component productincludes 239/308 [51] Int. 83/14- a d t ontainer housing the productcomponents. The 1 1 Fwd of 402-16, components are mutually isolated andare put in communica- 222/132, 402,18, 941, 94, 193, 145; 239/307, 303tion with product passages through a valve of the container.

The stem of the valve is connected to a coupler-aspirator. An Referencescued aerosol propellant cartridge is also connected to the couplerhee mm b Q b w S e se e a 0." P P CCS dma s .m d n on u Fh 8 .l .mmwm F r m 8II n m n i .mmD. w a s a L a r nn n. D b 2 Ic 6 l p e 9 m wm mam C fe foon 2 m o he r w m t t e n o h t l wwue dB. w mm a. mPP 83 XX H 92mm 32222222 m2 M mamb D FCPN U 9999 NH 0929 0470 402 8960 06 7 3333 PATENTEnJumm2 SHIEI 1 OF 7 INVENTOR JEAN MARAND firm 90d,

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sum aur 1 1N VEN TOR JEAN MARAND BY iifdg'gma ATTORNEYS PATENTEUJUHN[s72 3.672.544

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v I-NVENTOR JEAN MARAND ATTORNEYS PATENTEDJM? 1912 SHEET 5 OF 7 INVENTORJEAN MARAND BY mfMzM ATTORNI; YS

MULTI-COMPONENT PRODUCT DISPENSER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Thepresent invention relates to a dispensing system of the pressurized typefor spraying a multi-component fluid, generally liquid, by aspirationwith a liquefied gas propellant.

More particularly, the present invention relates to such a systemwherein the multiple components of the product are housed in anon-pressurized product container and coupled to a propellant cartridgeseparate from the product container through a coupler-apsirator.

Even more particularly, the present invention relates to such a systemwherein a single actuation causes the propellant to aspirate and combinethe product components through the coupler-aspirator.

Dispensers are known for dispensing multi-component products uponaspiration by a liquefied gas propellant. Such dispensers comprise asingle product-propellant container. The container houses the propellantcartridge and the several product components. The propellant and theseveral products are all isolated from each other. Various flow pathslead from the products and the propellant through a common valve to anozzle. When the valve is actuated, the products are combined andaspirated by the propellant.

However, certain commercial disadvantages are inherent in suchdispensers. In the use of such dispensers it is necessary to create aseal between the common container and the valve collar. This becomes acomplex practical problem with sophisticated dispensers. Also, thecreation of a satisfactory pressure or liquid tight seal becomesdifficult with the use of certain materials.

Furthermore, the general manufacture of aerosol dispensers is aspecialized industry. Therefore, manufacturers who wish to marketproducts in aerosol form must acquire specialized knowledge and mustinvest large capital in specialized equipment. An alternative is to"farm out" such aerosol production to specialized aerosol manufacturers.This, of course, reduces the amount of control which the productmanufacturers can exercise over the quality of manufacture of theirproduct.

Also, the handling and shipping of aerosol units is much more complexand expensive than that of non-aerosol products. Special productcontainers are required, and special shipping regulations must beobserved.

Also, for economic reasons, the design of the aerosol unit must be suchthat the propellant is used up at approximately the same time as theproduct. This requires the propellant cartridge to be specificallydesigned for virtually each and every product which is manufactured.Manifestly, this individualization is expensive. And even though suchdesign may be achieved, normal manufacturing tolerances are such thatinvaribly some of the product or propellant is wasted.

With these disadvantages in mind, it is an object of the presentinvention to provide a multi-component product dispensing system of thetype such that the product is aspirated by a propellant, wherein theproducts are housed in a'product container separate from the propellantcartridge and are aspirated by the propellant separate from the productcontainer through a coupler-aspirator.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a systemwherein the product container and valve need only be leak sealed and notpressure sealed.

It is still further object of the present invention to provide such asystem which need include only the product, the product container, and acoupler, and may be readily combined with a standard and conventionalpropellant cartridge and aerosol valve.

It is yet an additional object of the present invention to provide sucha system that may be handled and shipped without the propellant andtherefore in the same manner as other nonaerosol products.

It is still further an object of the present invention to provide such asystem which eliminates waste of the product or the propellant.

These objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention bythe provision of a product container containing at least one flexibleproduct sac in communication with a product container valve, and eitheran additional flexible product sac in communication with the productcontainer valve, or a dip tube opening into the product container and incommunication with the product container valve. The product containervalve and valve collar is leak sealed to the product container. Theoutlet of the product container valve communicates with at least oneflow path in a coupler-aspirator. A second flow path in thecoupler-asiprator is adapted to communicate with the outlet valve of aconventional propellant cartridge mounted in alignment with the productcontainer. The two flow pathes in the coupler-aspirator join at aVenturi nozzle therein for spraying the multi-component product. Whenthe propellant cartridge is pressed downward, both the propellantcartridge valve and the product container valve are opened. This allowsthe multi-component product to be aspirated by a propellant through thecoupler-aspirator.

Other objects and features of the invention will be made clear by thefollowing description taken together with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

FIG. 1 is an elevational illustration of the basic features of thedispensing unit of the present invention shown in conjunction with aconventional aerosol propellant cartridge;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view in detail of the lower or productportion of the dispensing unit shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line Illlll of FIG. 2illustrating the stem;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the valvingstructure of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of thedispensing unit of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth embodiment of thedispensing unit of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth embodiment of th dispensingunit of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a modification of the embodiment ofthe dispensing unit shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a modified coupleraspirator inaccordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X--X in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI XI in FIG. 9; and

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a further modification of acoupler-aspirator in accordance with the present invention.

With reference now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the dispensing system ofthe present invention will be generally described.

A product container 1 is adapted to contain multiple component flexibleproduct sacs 2 and 3. Sacs 2 and 3 contain different product componentsto be dispensed. Sacs 2 and 3 may be made of any suitable material whichis compatible with the products to be dispensed. Product container 1 mayalso be made of any suitable or desirable material such as fiberboard,plastic or metal. Product container valve 4 is seated in valve collar 5.Valve collar 5 is attached to container 1 in any conventional manner.The attachment between collar 5 and container 1 need not be leakproofsince both sacs are sealed and contain the product. The valve need onlybe leakproof but not a pressure seal since container 1 does not house apropellant. Sacs 2 and 3 are in communication with product flow paths invalve 4 in a manner to be described in detail below.

The outlet of product container valve 4 is in communication with a firstflow path 7 in a coupler-aspirator 6. First flow path 7 and a secondflow path 8 join in a Venturi nozzle 9 in a manner to be described inmore detail below. Second flow path 8 is adapted to communicate with thestem 10 of a conventional aerosol valve 11 of a conventional propellantcartridge 12. Propellant cartridge 12 containsa suitable liquefied gaspropellant 13. A dip tube 14 is provided in propellant cartridge 12,since the cartridge will be normally used in the inverted position andonly vaporized propellant is desired. If the propellant is adsorbed on asilica type powder as disclosed in application Ser. No. 763,575, FelixRousselot, filed Sept. 30, 1968 and assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, the dip tube is not needed.

Product container 1 is provided with a guide 15 which is adapted to fitin any conventional manner, such as a snap fit over the top of theproduct container. Guide 15 acts to guide and laterally supportpropellant cartridge 12 as shown in FIG.

1. Coupler-aspirator 6 extends to and sprays through a hole 16 in guide15. Container 1 is provided with holes 17 in any suitable location forthe purpose of providing air vents within the container. Holes 17 allowequalization of atmospheric pressure within container 1 and aroundproduct sacs 2 and 3. Thus, as product is dispensed from sacs 2 and 3,pressure is equalized therearound to insure continued dispensing.

The general operation of the dispenser shown in FIG. 1 will now bedescribed. The operator grasps the unit generally around guide 15. Forceis applied by a finger or thumb in the general direction of arrow 18.Since container 1, coupleraspirator 6 and cartridge 12 are aligned, thisforce actuates and opens both the aerosol valve and the productcontainer valve. Only force sufiicient to open the stronger of these twovalves is required. When both valves are opened, the product componentsfrom both sacs 2 and 3 are combined and aspirated by the propellant.Thus, the multi-component product is sprayed from nozzle 9.

It is to be understood that any standard propellant cartridge may beused. The cartridge need not be specially designed in terms of quantityfor the amount of product. When the propellant is exhausted, it needmerely be replaced by another standard propellant cartridge.Additionally, when the products are exhausted and some of the propellantremains, the propellant cartridge may be transferred to a new productdispenser. Thus, it is apparent that the system in accordance with thepresent invention eliminates waste of both product and propellant.

With reference now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the operation of theproduct container 'valve and the coupler-aspirator shownin FIG. 1 willbe described in further detail. Valve collar has a central opening 20therein. Just below opening 20 a flexible annular gasket 21 is supportedon a first body member 22. A crimp 23 in collar 5 acts to retain bodymember 22 in place and to hold gasket 21 in place. A second annular bodymember 24 depends from and is supported on the outer periphery of firstannular body member 22. Slidably mounted within annular chamber 25 offirst annular body member 22 and annular chamber 26 of second annularbody member 24 is a hollow valve stem 27. Crimped between an inwardlyextending ring section 28 of first annular body member 22 and an up wardextending ridge 29 on second annular body member 24 is a flexibleannular gasket 30.

Radial openings 31 extend from hollow passage 32 within valve stem 27 toannular chamber 26. The gasket 30 has the inner periphery thereofobturating the openings 31 and thus serves as a first low pressureobturator.

As shown in FIG. 3, stem 27 has a plurality of longitudinally extendingwebs 33 defining a plurality of flow passages 34. Radial openings 35extend outwardly from flow passages 34 at the bottom thereof intoannular chamber 25. The gasket 21 has the inner periphery thereofobturating openings 35 and thus serves as a second low pressureobturator. First annular body member 22 has on the inner surface thereofa plurality of longitudinal inwardly extending splines 36 which connectto ring section 28. Stem member 27 has an'enlarged portion 37 whichcooperates with splines 36 to generally provide lateral support for stemmember 27. A spring 38 surrounds stem 27 and is positioned between thebottom of enlarged portion 37 and ring section 28, and urges the stemupward.

First flexible product sac 2 is secured to a sac adaptor 39. Sac adaptor39 is secured into second annular body member 24 and opens into a flowpassage 40. Flow passage 40 communicates with chamber 40a between secondannular body member 24 and a reduced outer diameter section of firstannular body member 22. Chamber 40a communicates through radial holes 41in the first annular body member 22 into annular chamber 25. The secondflexible product sac 3 is secured to a sac adaptor 42. Sac adaptor 42 isfixed into second annular body member 24 and opens into annular chamber26.

To the top of stem 27 is attached coupler-aspirator 6. Ho]- low passage32 of stem 27 opens into a first flow passage 43 of thecoupler-aspirator. A reduced diameter section 44 of stem 27 provides achamber 45 between the stern and the coupleraspirator. Flow passages 34of stem 27 communicate with chamber 45. Chamber 45 then communicateswith the first flow passage 43 of the coupler-aspirator 6. Thus, theproduct components are mixed in flow passage 43. The mixed products arethen introduced into nozzle 9 through a space 49.

Stem 10 of conventional aerosol valve 11 on propellant cartridge 12 isreceived within opening 46 of coupler-aspirator 6 in such a manner thatthe propellant cartridge is positioned above and aligned with productcontainer valve 4. Opening 46 leads directly into flow passage 47 andinto nozzle 9.

The operation of the dispenser shown in FIG. 2 will now be described indetail. As the operator presses down on the propellant cartridge asdescribed above, both the propellant cartridge valve 11 and valve 4areopened. Force from the propellant cartridge 12 pushes downcoupler-aspirator 6. This force is then transferred to stem 27. As stem27 is pushed down into the position shown in FIG. 2, both gasket 21 andgasket 30 are flexed. Therefore, both openings 35 and 31, respectively,are open. Communication is then open between flexible product sac 3,annular chamber 26, radial openings 31, passage 32, and first flowpassage 43. Communication is simultaneously opened between flexibleproduct sac 2, flow passage 40, chamber 40a, openings 41, annularchamber 25, radial openings 35, flow passages 34, chamber 45 and firstflow passage 43. Propellant is discharged from cartridge 12 through stem10 of the valve 11 into second flow passage 47 and into nozzle 9. Thisaction aspirates the components of the product through the abovementioned channels, flow passage 43, chamber 49, and into nozzle 9.Coupler-aspirator 6 extends to and sprays the multiple component productthrough hole 16 in guide 15.

An alternative arrangement of the product container valve shown in FIGS.1 and 2 will now be described with reference to FIG. 4. Valve collar hasa central opening therein. Directly below opening 120 is a flexibleannular gasket 121. A first annular body member 122 is supported fromcollar 105 by crimp 123 therein. Body member 122 supports gasket 121 andholds it in place. A second annular body member 124 is supported byfirst annular body member 122 and is held in place on the innerperiphery thereof. A flexible annular gasket 130 is held in placebetween an upper ridge 129 of second annular body member 124 and aninwardly extending ridge section 128 of the first annular body member122.

A hollow stern 127 is slidably mounted within annular chamber 125 infirst annular body member 122 and annular chamber 126 within secondannular body member 124. Radial openings 131 extend from central passage132 of stem 127 into annular chamber 126. The gasket has the innerperiphery thereof obturating the openings 131, and thus serves as afirst low pressure obturator. Stern 127, similarly to stem 27 shown inFIG. 2, has a plurality of webs which define a plurality of longitudinalchannels 134 therein. Stem 127 has an outwardly projecting annularflange 137 on the outer periphery thereof. Channels 134 communicatethrough radial openings 135 into annular chamber 125. The gasket 121 hasthe inner periphery thereof obturating the openings 135, and thus servesas a second low pressure obturator. A spring 138 surrounds stem 127 andis supported between the bottom of enlarged portion 137 and the ringsection 128 and urges stem 127 upwardly.

The flexible product sac 102 is secured to a sac adaptor 139. Sacadaptor 139 is fixed to first annular body member 122 and communicateswith annular chamber 125. The flexible product sac 103 is secured to asac adaptor 142. Sac adaptor 142 is fixed to second annular body member124 and communicates with annular chamber 126. Stem l27'and channels 132and 134 therein are connected to and communicate with thecoupler-aspirator in precisely the same manner as did the embodimentdescribed in FIG. 2.

Thus, it will be seen that when an operator presses downward on thepropellant cartridge, thereby moving the coupler-aspirator downward, andthus causing stem 127 to move downward, gaskets 121 and 130 will beflexed downward. This will cause openings 135 and 131, respectively, tobe opened. Thus, the product in product sac 102 will be in communicationwith the coupler-aspirator through annular chamber 125, openings 135,and channels 134. Likewise, the product in product sac 103 will be incommunication with the coupler-aspirator through annular chamber 126,openings 131 and passage 132.

With reference now to FIG. 5, a further embodiment of the presentinvention will be described. The embodiment of FIG. 5 is similar to theembodiment of FIG. 4, with the exception of the angles of alignment ofsac adaptors 239 and 242, and with the further exception that only asingle annular body member 222 is provided. Flexible annular gasket 221is held in place between collar 205 and body member 222 in a mannersimilar to that of the embodiment of FIG. 4. Flexible annular gasket 230is held in place between a ridge 222b of body member 222 and a ringmember 228. Ring member 228 is held in place and prevented from upwardmovement by ridge 222a on the inner surface of body 222. The flexibleproduct sac 202 is secured to sac adaptor 239, which is held in place inbody 222 to communicate with a chamber 225 therein. The flexible productsac 203 is secured to sac adaptor 242, which is secured within body 222and communicates with a chamber 226 therein.

Hollow stem 227 is slidably mounted within chambers 225 and 226. Radialopenings 231 extend from passage 232 within stem 227 into chamber 226.Radial openings 235 extend from longitudinal passages 234 within stem227 into chamber 225. Gaskets 230 has the inner periphery thereofobturating the openings 231 and thus serves as first low pressureobturator. Gasket 221 has the inner periphery thereof obturating theopenings 235 and thus serves as a second low pressure obturator. Spring238 acts to bias stem 227 in an upward direction. It is noted in FIG. 5that sac adaptors 239 and 242 are positioned within body 222 in anangular manner. This arrangement offers the significant advantage thatthe flow path of the product from product sac 202 is in a substantiallystraight vertical line from sac adaptor 239, through chamber 225 topassages 234. Thus, turbulence of the product within chamber 225 isreduced. This markedly reduces the time required for product flow. Thisarrangement offers the further advantage over the arrangement shown inFIG. 4 in that the sac adaptors need not be crowded around the collar205. This provides much more freedom for the flexible sacs and helps toinsure that the sacs are not prematurely closed. Product flow from sacs202 and 203 through stem 227 is actuated in the same manner as productflow from the sacs in the embodiment of FIG. 4.

In the embodiments of the invention thus far described, all of theproduct components have been enclosed in flexible product sacs. In sucharrangements as previously discussed with regard to FIG. 1, the productcontainer is provided with various holes 17 therein to insure anequalization of pressure within the product container to further providefor continued dispensing of the products from the sacs. The valve collarneed not be attached in a leakproof manner in such embodiments. However,as also previously mentioned, it is possible to enclose one of theproduct components within the product container itself, rather than in aflexible product sac. However, it is manifest that if such arrangementis made, the pressure equalization holes may not be provided in theproduct container itself. Further, the attachment of the valve collarmust be leakproof.

Therefore, with reference now to FIG. 6, an embodiment of the presentinvention will be described wherein one of the products is locatedwithin the product container itself and means are provided for pressureequalization within the product container. The embodiment of FIG. 6 issimilar to the embodiment shown and described with reference to FIG. 4.However, instead of a sac adaptor being fitted into body member 322, adip tube 339 is fitted therein. Dip tube 339 communicates with chamber325. Collar 305 is sealed to container 301 by any conventional means toprovide a leakproof seal. A first annular body member 322 is supportedfrom a downward extending projection 30521 of collar 305. Gasket 321 isheld in place between collar 305 and annular body member 322. A secondannular body member 324 depends from and is supported by the innerperiphery of first annular body member 322. Gasket 330 is supportedbetween the upper edge of second annular member 324 and the lower edgeof inwardly extending ring section 328 of the first annular body member322. Flexible product sac 303 is secured to sac adaptor 342, which isthen secured within the second annular body 324, and which communicateswith chamber 326.

Slidably mounted within chambers 325 and 326 is hollow stem 327. Radialopenings 331 extend from center passage 332 of stem 327 into chamber326. Radial openings 335 extend from longitudinal passages 334 of stem327 into chamber 325. Gasket 330 has the inner periphery thereofobturating the openings 331, and thus serves as a first low pressureobturator. Gasket 321 has the inner periphery thereof obturating theopenings 335, and thus serves as a second low pressure obturator.Annular depending projection 305a has a longitudinal opening 305btherein. It will be apparent that as the unit is actuated and stem 327is depressed, gasket 321 is moved downward. This, of course openscommunication between the product in the container 301 through dip tube339 into chamber 325 through openings 335 and into passages 334.Simultaneously, however, gasket 321 is moved away from projection 305cof collar 305 and there is then communication between the atmosphereabove collar 305 and the interior of container 301 through opening 305b.Thus, as product is aspirated from the interior of container 301,atmospheric pressure is introduced into container 301 to equalize thepressure therein, and to thus insure continued dispensing of producttherefrom. Conversely, upon release of the valve stem 327 a seal isagain created when projection 3050 engages gasket 321. It is to beunderstood that the dip tube 329 could be secured to second annular bodymember 324 in place of sac adaptor 342, and that a sac and sac adaptorcould then be connected to the first annular body 322. It is to befurther understood that a dip tube could be used in place of either ofthe sac adaptors 239 or 242 shown in FIG. 5, or either of the sacadaptors 39 or 42 shown in FIG. 2. All that would be required is thatthe air return device shown in FIG. 6 be provided in the valve structureof FIG. 5 or FIG. 2, and that the holes 17 be closed. It is to befurther understood than any of the embodiments could employ the use oftwo or more dip tubes, rather than one dip tube and one or more sacs.This would merely require that the product container be partitioned toprovide mutually isolated compartments.

With reference now to FIG. 7 of the drawings, a further embodiment ofthe present invention will be described, wherein a first flexibleproduct sac 403 is connected to valve 404 and contained on the inside ofa second flexible product sac 402. Flexible annular gasket 421 is heldin place between collar 405 and the body member 422 in a manner similarto that of the previous embodiments. Flexible product sac 403 is blow orinjection blow molded in a conventional manner to provide an integralrigid adaptor portion 442. The adaptor portion 442 is held around theinner periphery of body member 422. Flexible product sac 402 is alsoblow or injection blow molded in a conventional manner to provide anintegral rigid adaptor portion 439. Adaptor portion 439 fits around andis held in place by the outer periphery of body member 422. Thus, itwill be seen that bag 403 is positioned within bag 402. It willtherefore be further apparent that bag 403 must be compatible with boththe product component to be contained within bag 402 and the productcomponent to be contained within bag 403.

Flexible annular gasket 430 is held in place between the upper surfaceof adapter portion 442 and an inwardly extending ring section 428 ofbody member 422.

Hollow stem 427 is slidably mounted within chamber 425 of body member422. Radial openings 431 extend from passage 432 within stem 427 intoand in communication with the interior of bag 403. Radial openings 435extend from longitudinal passages 434 within stem 427 into chamber 425.Gasket 430 has the inner periphery thereof obturating the openings 431and thus serves as a first low pressure obturator. Gasket .421 has theinner periphery thereof obturating the openings 435 and thus serves as asecond low pressure obturator. Spring 438 acts to bias stem 427 in anupward direction.

Thus, it will be seen that when an operator presses downward on thepropellent cartridge, thereby moving the coupler-aspirator downward, andthus causing stem 427 to move downward gaskets 421 and 430 will beflexed downward. This will cause openings 435 and 431, respective? ly,to be opened. Passage 40 provided within body member 422 providescommunication between the interior of product sac 402 and chamber 425.Thus, the product in product sac 402 will be in communication with thecoupler-aspirator through passage 440, chamber 425, openings 435, andchannels 434. Likewise, the product in product sac 403 will be incommunication with the coupler-aspirator through openings 431 andpassage 432.

With reference now to FIG. 8 of the drawings, a modification of theembodiment shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The dispenser of FIG. 8 issimilar to that of FIG. 7, but instead of an inner flexible product sac,a dip tube 542 is friction fitted into the inner periphery of annularbody member 522. Adaptor portion 539 of blow or injectionblow moldedflexible product sac 502 is attached to the outer periphery of bodymember 522. The bottom of sac 502 is provided with a molded flangeportion 539a, through which dip tube 542 extends. Flexible annulargasket 521 is held in place between collar 505 and annular body members522 and 524 in a manner similar to that shown in FIG. 6. Annulardepending projection 505a of collar 505 supports body member 522.Flexible annular gasket 530 is held in place between annular body member522 and a ring portion 528 of second annular body member 524.

Stem 527 is slidably positioned within annular body members 522 and 524.Stern 527 operates in precisely the same manner as the stern in FIG. 7.Thus, when the unit is actuated and the stern 527 is depressed, theproduct component contained within the product container is incommunication with passage 532 through dip tube 542, chamber 526, andopenings 531. The product component contained within sac 502 is incommunication with passages 534 through passages 540 and 541 in annularbody .members 522 and 524, respectively, chamber 525, and radialopenings 535. Additionally, as stem 527 is depressed, the interior ofthe product container is placed in communication with the atmospherethrough opening 505b in depending projection 505a, to equalize thepressure within the product container and to insure continued dispensingtherefrom.

A further modification of this embodiment of the present invention isillustrated by the dashed lines of the second flexible product sac 503.Thus, the second product component may be enclosed in sac 503, ratherthan in the product container itself. Sac 503 would be fitted around thebottom outer periphery of dip tube 542. The product component within sac503 would be dispensed therefrom in precisely the same manner as abovedescribed. Of course, it would not be necessary if sac 503 were to beemployed to provide the air return passage 505b within the valve. Itwould manifestly bepossible to merely provide openings at appropriatelocations within the outer container itself.

In the various embodiments of the invention thus far described theproduct components have been mixed together in the first product flowpassage within the coupler-aspirator immediately upon their beingdischarged from the product container valve stem. However, it is to beunderstood that it is contemplated to be within the scope of the presentinvention to delay the mixture of the various product components untilactually aspirated through the nozzle of the coupler-aspirator. Such anarrangement would be particularly important in a situation where theproduct components should not be mixed until actually sprayed. Withreference then to FIGS. 9-11, a coupler-aspirator will be describedwherein the multiple product components are not mixed until they areactually sprayed from the nozzle.

As shown in FIG. 10, coupler-aspirator 606 is adapted to receive thestem of a conventional propellant cartridge with an opening 646. Opening646 communicates with a vertical section 607a of a propellant flowpassage. Section 607a terminates in a horizontal section 607b of thepropellant flow passage which opens into the Venturi of nozzle insert609. Coupler-aspirator 606 is also adapted to be coupled to a productcontainer valve stem 627 having isolated product flow passages 632 and634 therein. The valve product flow passage 632 communicates with avertically extending first section 633a of a first product flow passagewithin the coupler-aspirator 606. Valve product flow passage 634communicates with a vertical section 635a of a second product flowpassage within the coupler-aspirator. Section 633a terminates in ahorizontal section 633b of the first product flow passage within thecoupler-aspirator. Section 635a terminates in a horizontal section 635bof the second product flow passage within the coupleraspirator. Sections635b and 63317 extend horizontally through the coupler-aspirator 606 andterminate at chamber 636 housing the nozzle insert 609..

Dividing walls 637 are provided integrally of the coupleraspirator 606and extend in a generally vertical direction abutting against the nozzleinsert 609. Dividing walls 637 thus divide chamber 636 into two separateproduct chambers 636a and 636b. Section 633b of the first product flowpassage terminates in product chamber 636b, and section 635b of thesecond product flow passage terminates in product chamber 636a. Radialopening 638 extends from the interior of nozzle 609 into product chamber636a, and radial opening 639 extends from the interior of nozzle 609 toproduct chamber 636b.

Thus, it will be apparent that the various product components are notmixed until they actually reach the interior of nozzle 609. Thecoupler-aspirator shown in FIGS. 911 of course otherwise operates inprecisely the same manner as the coupler-aspirator discussed in theprevious embodiments.

Although each of the embodiments of the present invention thus fardiscussed disclose the use of only two product components, it is to beunderstood that the present invention contemplates the use of three ormore such components. This alteration could be made in any of thedisclosed embodiments by providing additional product sacs, additionalsac adaptors, additional product passages and additional obturatingmeans. One such modification will be described now with reference toFIG. 12, wherein a product container valve modified to have threeproduct passages is adapted to be coupled to a coupleraspirator havingthree product flow passages similar to the coupler-aspirator shown inFIG. 10. Product container valve 727 is shown in dashed lines and hasthree product flow passages, 730, 732 and 734. Valve product flowpassage 730 is adapted to communicate with vertical section 731a ofafirst product flow passage within the coupler-aspirator, valve productflow passage 732 is adapted to communicate with vertical section 733a ofa second product flow passage within the coupler-aspirator, and valveproduct flow passage 734 is adapted to communicate with a verticalsection 735a of a third product flow passage within thecoupler-aspirator. Section 731a terminates in a horizontal section 731bof the first product flow passage, section 733a terminates in ahorizontal section 733b of the second product flow passage, and section735a terminates in a horizontal section 735b of the third product flowpassage. The product flow passages within the coupler-aspirator areadapted to mix the various product components within the nozzle of thecoupler-aspirator in a manner similar to that described with referenceto FIGS. 9-11. The embodiment shown in FIG. 12 in other respectsoperates in the same manner as the previously described embodiments, theonly difference being that there are three, rather than two, productcomponents.

In all of the embodiments of the invention thus far described, thecoupler-aspirator has been illustrated as being coupled to male productand aerosol valve stems. However, it is to be understood that it iswithin the scope of the present invention to provide a coupler-aspiratorhaving male coupling means adapted to be inserted into. female productand/or aerosol valves.

All of the various parts of the various embodiments of the presentinvention above described may be molded of plastic material byconventional molding techniques, thus making possible the provision ofsuch dispensers at a low cost.

The flexible sacs above described are preferably of the thin walled typeand have a great flexibility. These sacs may be made of any suitablematerial which is compatible with the product used therein.

Thus, it will be seen that there has been provided a multicomponentproduct dispenser which may be manufactured inexpensively by non-aerosoltype manufacturers. The dispenser of this invention may manifestlyprovide greatly improved commercial exploitation of products whichheretofore have not been distributed in aerosol form. The unit asdescribed above may be manufactured and adapted to be latter combinedwith a conventional aerosol cartridge. The provision of this typedispenser eliminates a great many manufacturing problems. The productcontainer need not be pressure sealed. The product unit need not 'beshipped or handled under aerosol regulations, since the unit contains noaerosol cartridge. The waste of either the propellant or the product,heretofore unavoidable, is eliminated.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described indetail, such description is intended to be illustrative only, and notrestrictive, since many details of the construction of the invention maybe altered or modified without departing from the spirit or scopethereof.

What is claimed is:

l. A multi-component product dispenser comprising a product containerhousing at least two mutually isolated product components; a valve meansmounted on said product container for selectively dispensing saidproduct components, said valve means including a stem, isolated productpassages communicating with said product components and obturating meansfor selectively closing and opening said product passages; and acoupler-aspirator mounted above said product container and having firstand second coupling means, the first of said coupling means connected tosaid valve stem, the second of said coupling means extending upward andaway from said product container for attachment to an aerosol propellantcartridge, said coupler-aspirator further having a Venturi nozzle havinga throat portion and a plurality of flow paths joining at said nozzle, afirst of said flow paths communicating with said second coupling meansand the remainder of said flow paths communicating with said firstcoupling means, said Venturi throat portion located in said first flowpath, said remainder of said flow paths being in fluid communicationwith said Venturi throat portion.

2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1, wherein said valve means isleak-sealed but not pressure-sealed to said product container.

3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein one of said productcomponents is enclosed in a flexible product sac, said sac having a sacadaptor thereon which fits into said valve to provide communicationbetween said sac and one of said product passages, and a second of saidproduct components is enclosed within said product container, said valvemeans having a dip tube fitted therein to provide communication betweensaid second product component and a second of said product passages.

4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2 further comprising a guide meansfitting around and aligned with said container for providing lateralsupport for said aerosol propellant cartridge, said guide means havingan opening therein through which said multi-component product is sprayedby said coupleraspirator.

5. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said product passagescomprise substantially straight vertical paths from said productcomponents to said coupler-aspirator.

6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said remainder of saidflow paths comprise a single flow path and said product components aremixed in said single flow path.

7. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said remainder of saidflow paths comprise at least two mutually isolated flow paths and saidproduct components are mixed in said nozzle.

8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said product componentsare enclosed in individual flexible product sacs, each of said sacshaving a sac adaptor thereon which fits into said valve means to providecommunication between said sac and one of said product passages.

9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sac adaptors fit intosaid valve means generally horizontally.

10. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein one of said sac adaptorsfits into said valve means generally horizontally and one of said sacadaptors fits into said valve means generally vertically.

11. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sac adaptors fitinto said valve means at acute angles with respect to the vertical axisthereof, whereby the flow paths of said product components aresubstantially in a straight vertical line from said sacs to saidcoupler-aspirator.

12. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein said flexible productsacs are blow or injection blow molded, said sac adaptors are integralwith said sacs, and a first of said sacs is disposed within a second ofsaid sacs.

13. A dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valve meansincludes a body member having supporting means and a first of saidobturating means comprises an annular gasket, said gasket being held inplace within said body member by said supporting means and said sacadaptor integral with said first sac.

14. A multi-component product dispenser comprising a product containerhousing at least two mutually isolated product components; a valve meansmounted on said product container for selectively dispensing saidproduct components, said valve means including a stem, isolated productpassages communicating with said product components and obturating meansfor selectively closing and opening said product passages; acoupler-aspirator mounted above said product container and having firstand second coupling means, the first of said coupling means connected tosaid valve stem, the second of said coupling means extending upward andaway from said product container, said coupler-aspirator further havinga Venturi nozzle having a throat portion and a plurality of flow pathsjoining at said nozzle, a first of said flow paths communicating withsaid second coupling means and the remainder of said flow pathscommunicating with said first coupling means, said Venturi throatportion located in said first flow path, said remainder of said flowpaths being in fluid communication with said Venturi throat portion; andan aerosol propellant cartridge positioned above said coupleraspiratorand vertically aligned with said container and having a valve connectedto said second coupling means, such that depression of said cartridgeand said coupler-aspirator opens said valve means and said valve andpropellant from said cartridge aspirates said products through saidVenturi nozzle.

15. A dispenser as claimed in claim 14, wherein said valve means isleak-sealed but not pressure-sealed to said product container.

16. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein one of said productcomponents is enclosed in a flexible product sac, said sac having a sacadaptor thereon which fits into said valve to provide communicationbetween 'said sac and one of said product passages, and a second of saidproduct components is enclosed within said product container, said valvemeans having a dip tube fitted therein to provide communication betweensaid second product component and a second of said product passages.

17. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a guide meansfitting around and aligned with said container for providing lateralsupport for said aerosol propellant cartridge, said guide means havingan opening therein through which said multi-component product is sprayedby said coupleraspirator.

18. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein said product passagescomprise substantially straight vertical paths from said productcomponents to said coupler-aspirator.

19. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein said remainder of saidflow paths comprise a single flow path and said product components aremixed in said single flow path.

20. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein said remainder of saidflow paths comprise at least two mutually isolated flow path and saidproduct components are mixed in said nozzle.

21. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein said sac adaptors fitsinto said valve means generally horizontally and one of said sacadaptors fits into said valve means generally vertically.

24. A dispenser as claimed in claim 21, wherein said sac adaptors fitinto said valve means at acute angles with respect to the vertical axisthereof, whereby the flow paths of said product components aresubstantially in a straight vertical line from said sacs to saidcoupler-aspirator.

25. A dispenser as claimed in claim 21, wherein said flexible productsacs are blow or injection blow molded, said sac ad aptors are integralwith said sacs, and a first of said sacs is disposed within a second ofsaid sacs.

26. A dispenser as claimed in claim 25, wherein said valve meansincludes a body member having supporting means and a first of saidobturating means comprises an annular gasket, said gasket being held inplace within said body member by said supporting section and said sacadaptor integral with said first sac.

i i 0 l

1. A multi-component product dispenser comprising a product containerhousing at least two mutually isolated product components; a valve meansmounted on said product container for selectively dispensing saidproduct components, said valve means including a stem, isolated productpassages communicating with said product components and obturating meansfor selectively closing and opening said product passages; and acoupleraspirator mounted above said product container and having firstand second coupling means, the first of said coupling means connected tosaid valve stem, the second of said coupling means extending upward andaway from said product container for attachment to an aerosol propellantcartridge, said coupleraspirator further having a Venturi nozzle havinga throat portion and a plurality of flow paths joining at said nozzle, afirst of said flow paths communicating with said second coupling meansand the remainder of said flow paths communicating with said firstcoupling means, said Venturi throat portion located in said first flowpath, said remainder of said flow paths being in fluid communicationwith said Venturi throat portion.
 2. A dispenser as claimed in claim 1,wherein said valve means is leak-sealed but not pressure-sealed to saidproduct container.
 3. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein one ofsaid product components is enclosed in a flexible product sac, said sachaving a sac adaptor thereon which fits into said valve to providecommunication between said sac and one of said product passages, and asecond of said product components is enclosed within said productcontainer, said valve means having a dip tube fitted therein to providecommunication between said second product component and a second of saidproduct passages.
 4. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2 furthercomprising a guide means fitting around and aligned with said containerfor providing lateral support for said aerosol propellant cartridge,said guide means having an opening therein through which saidmulti-component product is sprayed by said coupler-aspirator.
 5. Adispenser as claimed in claim 2, wherein said product passages comprisesubstantially straight vertical paths from said product components tosaid coupler-aspirator.
 6. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, whereinsaid remainder of said flow paths comprise a single flOw path and saidproduct components are mixed in said single flow path.
 7. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 2, wherein said remainder of said flow paths compriseat least two mutually isolated flow paths and said product componentsare mixed in said nozzle.
 8. A dispenser as claimed in claim 2, whereinsaid product components are enclosed in individual flexible productsacs, each of said sacs having a sac adaptor thereon which fits intosaid valve means to provide communication between said sac and one ofsaid product passages.
 9. A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, whereinsaid sac adaptors fit into said valve means generally horizontally. 10.A dispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein one of said sac adaptors fitsinto said valve means generally horizontally and one of said sacadaptors fits into said valve means generally vertically.
 11. Adispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein said sac adaptors fit into saidvalve means at acute angles with respect to the vertical axis thereof,whereby the flow paths of said product components are substantially in astraight vertical line from said sacs to said coupler-aspirator.
 12. Adispenser as claimed in claim 8, wherein said flexible product sacs areblow or injection blow molded, said sac adaptors are integral with saidsacs, and a first of said sacs is disposed within a second of said sacs.13. A dispenser as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valve meansincludes a body member having supporting means and a first of saidobturating means comprises an annular gasket, said gasket being held inplace within said body member by said supporting means and said sacadaptor integral with said first sac.
 14. A multi-component productdispenser comprising a product container housing at least two mutuallyisolated product components; a valve means mounted on said productcontainer for selectively dispensing said product components, said valvemeans including a stem, isolated product passages communicating withsaid product components and obturating means for selectively closing andopening said product passages; a coupler-aspirator mounted above saidproduct container and having first and second coupling means, the firstof said coupling means connected to said valve stem, the second of saidcoupling means extending upward and away from said product container,said coupler-aspirator further having a Venturi nozzle having a throatportion and a plurality of flow paths joining at said nozzle, a first ofsaid flow paths communicating with said second coupling means and theremainder of said flow paths communicating with said first couplingmeans, said Venturi throat portion located in said first flow path, saidremainder of said flow paths being in fluid communication with saidVenturi throat portion; and an aerosol propellant cartridge positionedabove said coupler-aspirator and vertically aligned with said containerand having a valve connected to said second coupling means, such thatdepression of said cartridge and said coupler-aspirator opens said valvemeans and said valve and propellant from said cartridge aspirates saidproducts through said Venturi nozzle.
 15. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 14, wherein said valve means is leak-sealed but notpressure-sealed to said product container.
 16. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 15, wherein one of said product components is enclosed in aflexible product sac, said sac having a sac adaptor thereon which fitsinto said valve to provide communication between said sac and one ofsaid product passages, and a second of said product components isenclosed within said product container, said valve means having a diptube fitted therein to provide communication between said second productcomponent and a second of said product passages.
 17. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 15, further comprising a guide means fitting around andaligned with said container for providing lateral support for saidaerosol propellant cartridge, said guide means having an opening thereinthrough which said multi-component product is sprayed by saidcoupler-aspirator.
 18. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein saidproduct passages comprise substantially straight vertical paths fromsaid product components to said coupler-aspirator.
 19. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 15, wherein said remainder of said flow paths comprisea single flow path and said product components are mixed in said singleflow path.
 20. A dispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein saidremainder of said flow paths comprise at least two mutually isolatedflow path and said product components are mixed in said nozzle.
 21. Adispenser as claimed in claim 15, wherein said product components areenclosed in individual flexible product sacs, each of said sacs having asac adaptor thereon which fits into said valve means to providecommunication between said sac and one of said product passages.
 22. Adispenser as claimed in claim 21, wherein said sac adaptors fit intosaid valve means generally horizontally.
 23. A dispenser as claimed inclaim 21, wherein one of said sac adaptors fits into said valve meansgenerally horizontally and one of said sac adaptors fits into said valvemeans generally vertically.
 24. A dispenser as claimed in claim 21,wherein said sac adaptors fit into said valve means at acute angles withrespect to the vertical axis thereof, whereby the flow paths of saidproduct components are substantially in a straight vertical line fromsaid sacs to said coupler-aspirator.
 25. A dispenser as claimed in claim21, wherein said flexible product sacs are blow or injection blowmolded, said sac adaptors are integral with said sacs, and a first ofsaid sacs is disposed within a second of said sacs.
 26. A dispenser asclaimed in claim 25, wherein said valve means includes a body memberhaving supporting means and a first of said obturating means comprisesan annular gasket, said gasket being held in place within said bodymember by said supporting section and said sac adaptor integral withsaid first sac.